Sarah Stratton
Sarah retired in 2024 after 39 years in public education as an English teacher, literacy facilitator, school improvement specialist & literacy specialist. She has been supporting teachers with writing instruction in Arkansas through her Writing on Command program since 2023. She initially created WOC in the early 2000's and created her first WOC manual for students in 2009.
Jason Campbell
Jason joined WOC in 2024. This is his 24th year in Conway Public Schools teaching 5th grade writing at Ruth Doyle Middle School. He began implementing WOC within his already strong writing program in 2024 and has since boasted average scale score gains of 10.21 on the writing/language section of the ATLAS writing test. He continues to contribute and add both knowledge and content to help support Arkansas teachers with writing instruction.
Erika Sherer
Erika joined WOC the summer of 2025 and has since held two sessions for literacy and content area teachers. She has been teaching 10 years and is currently a 4th grade science teacher at Mayflower Elementary School. Interestingly, Erika was part of the 2009-10 group of 10th graders in Crossett, AR, that received WOC instruction. Additionally, she implemented WOC with her 1st graders last school year and has since moved up to 4th grade science where she continues to provide WOC writing instruction to her students primarily (but not exclusively) through their written scientific arguments.
Jessie Stratton Holt
Jessie joined WOC the summer of 2025. She has been teaching secondary English for 6 years and currently teaches 10th grade English at Bryant High School. Interestingly, she was part of a 5th grade group in Crossett, AR, that experimented with idiom stories for the first time in 2008. She has been implementing WOC with her 10th graders these past two years and has contributed significantly by writing curriculum for WOC, including cheat sheets, WOC technique support, and analysis writing support.
I wanted to share some data with you. I started using your strategies after attending the Nov. 2025 and Dec. 2025 workshops. I team teach and have 2 fourth grade literacy classes. Number of students that scored 5 or more on writing: Fall 2025--4 ; Winter 2026--22 (1 perfect score of 10) (February 2026)
Best PD I have ever attended. (December 2025)
Expertly created materials to support my HQIM. I am able to use WOC almost every day. No frills, easy to use, scholarly, and fun! (December 2025)
Sarah Stratton presented teacher/student friendly techniques that I literally shared with 4th grade writing teachers today! They were excited and ready to start utilizing the strategies. (November 2025)
This was amazing. I have so many resources and strategies to use now in my classroom to improve our writing! (October 2025)
This workshop was fabulous. Writing does not come easy to me, and I walked away with so many useful tools to use in my science classroom. (July 2025)
WOC with Sarah Stratton and Jason Campbell is always worth my time. I learn more and the material is relevant and valuable to my classroom. (July 2025)
Sarah Stratton and Jason Campbell are great collaborators, and I appreciate all the knowledge, enthusiasm, and encouragement. I honestly feel Writing on Command has made me feel like I can teach writing and that I am creating writers. (July 2025)
Excellent! I wish my whole district would go to this session, so we could all implement these strategies across all grade levels. (June 2025)
There were a lot of useful techniques that I took away from this training that will be easy to implement immediately. (June 2025)
Jason and Sarah did a great job presenting and have a passion for Writing on Command. They gave me many tools for my toolbelt moving forward. (June 2025)
My writing got a lot better because I know a lot of new techniques that help it sound better and that make it more complex.
I felt very prepared on the ATLAS test because Mr. Campbell has taught us amazing strategies to make our writings pop.
It makes me feel good when I go back and look at my work and see that I did something so good that I was once so bad at.
My favorite strategy is using imagine statements. It's my favorite because I think it gives the reader a visual of what you are talking about.
If I had to pick a favorite strategy, I would probably pick complex sentences. I would pick this one because they make my writing sound so much more sophisticated. For example, "Because it was cold, I put on a jacket." sounds so much better than "It was cold. I put on a jacket."
My favorite strategy to use is full circle. I feel like it makes my writing a lot stronger.
This year my writing has gone from a 5 to a 9!
Things that made me a better writer were learning how to use dashes, how to grab attention, and different kinds of openers.
Last year, I was good at writing. But what you taught me made me ten times better!
Last year my writing was not good. This year I have learned so many strategies and many things that make my writing improve so much.
JUNE & JULY 2026
Arch Ford--Writer’s Workshop 101 (June 9th) Do you want to feel more confident in your ability to teach writing? Then this is the session for you. You will learn techniques and strategies to help you produce amazing narratives and essays on command. As indicated by the session title, you will spend the session writing, but you will also be sharing and learning from each other. If you want to improve your writing, then join our team as we hone in on what makes writing great and how to find your writer’s voice. Space is limited for this new session.
Arch Ford--WOC for Newbies–Learn the Techniques that Transform Students into Writers (June 11 & July 24) Have you heard of Writing on Command, and you want to get your students in on the action? If so, this Writing on Command session overview is the one for you. Our team will introduce you to the techniques that set this program apart from all other writing programs–the techniques that help students become sophisticated writers on command. This session will include:
An Introduction to Writing on Command
Information on how Writing on Command supports both ATLAS reading and writing
Instruction on the Writing on Command Techniques
Information on how to get your students started on Idiom Stories (The perk of Idiom stories–they magically build confident writers.)
Instruction on creating teacher sample idiom stories
Interchangeable rubrics, posters, and anchor charts and how to use them to effect positive growth
Student testimonials and ATLAS data
Free resources & templates
Student samples
How to roll this program out in your building/district
Arch Ford--Advanced Writing on Command (June 19) Have you been implementing some of the easier (yet powerful) WOC techniques and are ready for more? If so, this advanced WOC session is the one for you. Our team will introduce you to a wide variety of techniques that impact syntax/sentence variety, organization, diction, style, elaboration, and so much more. You’ll learn the techniques so you can model them in your writing, you’ll learn how to scaffold and teach the techniques, and you’ll learn how and where to use them in writing for the highest impact. Please join us if you are eager to learn more. Space is limited for this new session.
Arch Ford--Writing on Command Meets ATLAS Practicing the Parts of a Narrative for ATLAS Mastery (June 24 & July 10) Do you want to know how to use WOC to help your students master the ATLAS writing test? Then this is the session for you. This session will focus on how to practice the parts of the narrative. What does practicing the parts look like within your curriculum? How can you ensure an interesting opening, a powerful ending, adequate planning, an understanding of the prompt, and perfect elaboration? The answer is this–students need to hone in on the parts that matter so they can become skilled and confident writers. This session explores the parts that students struggle with the most and shows you how to lead them to mastery.
Southeast Arkansas Monticello--Writing on Command Meets ATLAS Practicing the Parts of a Narrative & Informative for the ATLAS Writing Test (June 29) If you want to equip your students with the confidence and skills they need to succeed on the ATLAS writing test, then join Sarah Stratton (Creator of Writing on Command), Jason Campbell (5th grade Ruth Doyle Middle School Conway), Erika Sherer (4th grade Science Mayflower Elementary), and Jessie Stratton Holt (10th grade English Bryant High School) for this Writing on Command and ATLAS focused session. Our team will introduce you to the techniques that set this program apart from all other writing programs–the techniques that help students become sophisticated writers on command. Additionally, you will learn how to practice the parts of narratives and essays with your students to ensure mastery on the ATLAS Writing Test. What does practicing the parts look like within your curriculum? How can you ensure an interesting opening, a powerful conclusion, adequate planning, an understanding of the prompt, and perfect elaboration? The answer is this–students need to hone in on the parts that matter so they can become skilled and confident writers. This session explores the parts that students struggle with the most and shows you how to lead them to mastery. This training includes free resources and support.
Arch Ford--Writing on Command Meets ATLAS: Practicing the Parts of the Informative & Opinion/Argumentative Essay for ATLAS Mastery (June 30 & July 14) Do you want to know how to use WOC to help your students master the ATLAS writing test? Then this is the session for you. This session will focus on how to practice the parts of the informative & opinion/argumentative essay. What does practicing the parts look like within your curriculum? How can you ensure an interesting opening, a powerful conclusion, adequate planning, an understanding of the prompt, proper evidence, and perfect elaboration? The answer is this–students need to hone in on the parts that matter so they can become skilled and confident writers. This session explores the parts that students struggle with the most and shows you how to lead them to mastery.
Presentations
Charts
Practice 1--The Prompt Practice
Practice 2--Text-Dependent Questions as Body Paragraphs
Writing to Improve Reading August 2025
How Can Science Teachers Help With Writing? Paragraph Format Anchor Chart Teacher Sample Paragraph LY opener Anchor Chart for Argument
Practice 3--Because, But, So
Practice 4--Note Taking
Practice 5--Summarizing
Practice 6--Paraphrasing
Practice 7--Reflecting
Practice 8--Quotes of Support
Kill Two Birds With One Stone--Read Then Write (How to Use the Quotes pf Support)
Fahrenheit 451 (whole novel with keys)
NEW Practice 9--Analyzing Dialogue & MAMM to Support Narratives
Boot Camp Support
Priorities
Grades 7-10
3rd Grade Support
Presentations
Writing Support
Accelerating WRITING Skill (classroom, intervention & other subject areas) (I am still working on this. Steps 1-4 are done.)
Reading Support
NEW Templates to Examine Student Exemplars
ATLAS RUBRICS
Writing on Command Presentations
NEW Practicing the Parts of a Narrative and Informative for ATLAS (February 2026)
NEW New & Improved Practicing the Parts of a Narrative & Informative to Ensure Mastery (December 2025)
Practicing the Parts--WOC Meets ATLAS Presentation (with table of contents & index of resources)
Writing on Command Meets ATLAS--Establishing A Building Writing Plan 2025
Writing on Command Blogs
NEW Yes MAAM, You Help Students Elaborate, But No MAAM, You're Not Enough (February 2026)
NEW Understanding Your Writing Interim Scores--What Are They Telling You?
Kill Two Birds With One Stone--Read then Write (Ditch Your Study Guide and Do This Instead!) (September 2025)
Okay--so I've decided to implement WOC. What's next? (September 2025)
What's Thinking Got to do With It? (September 2025)
When a Dash Forces Your Down a Rabbit Hole (April 2025)
The Anatomy of a Paragraph (November 2024)
Narrative Length--How to Get your Students to Write More (October 2024)
What Can We Learn From One Who Grows Writers? (October 2024)
Turning Students into Writers (August 2024)
Curiosity May Have Killed the Cat, But It May Just Secure An Accurate ATLAS Reading Score Too (March 2024)
In Defense of Teaching Zeugma (March 2024)
Reading and Writing Are Intricately Connected (February 2024)
Writing on Command Technique Support
The LY opener, The Dash & Side Comments--Wooing Readers with Impressive Style Cheat Sheet Rubric Writing Document Kahoot
Narrative Writing Quiz on Google Form (Dialogue, Dash & Side Comments)
Writing on Command Data
Writing on Command Teacher Manuals & Support
NEW Writing on Command's Four Point Approach to Growing Strong Writers
Writing on Command Teacher Manual 2023--Techniques Organized By Effect
Writing on Command Teacher Manual 2024--Techniques Organized By Grade Level
Writing on Command Anchor Charts & Cheat Sheets
NEW MAMM Make a Moment Magical (3-5) Cheat Sheet for Narrative Elaboration
NEW MAMM Make a Moment Memorable (6-10) Cheat Sheet for Narrative Elaboration
NEW LY Opener Cheat Sheet for Narrative, Informative & Opinion/Argumentative
Pacing Guides
Sample Pacing Guides (Integrating reading & writing) Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4
Sample Pacing Guide (teaching writing only) 1st Semester
ATLAS Quick & Easy Rubrics
Language/Conventions Support
How to Get Started
NEW The Purpose of MAMM and How to Teach It ( A How to Guide)
NEW Using Idiom Stories to Practice Writing the Beginning of a Narrative
Presentations
Posters
Idiom Slides
Narrative Resources
Examining a Sample Narrative for WOC Techniques Teacher Sample--Nested Story
NEW The Purpose of MAMM and How to Teach It ( A How to Guide)
Presentations
NEW New & Improved Practicing the Parts of a Narrative & Informative to Ensure Mastery (Dec. 2025)
Practicing the Parts of a Narrative & Informative to ensure Mastery (Oct. 2025)
Prompt Resources
NEW Christmas ATLAS Writing Bell Ringers NEW Sample Responses
NEW Bell Ringers
Annotated Presentation on the narrative prompt, the pre-planning organizer, & using DASHES
The Pre-Planning Organizer Resources
Bell Ringers
NEW Christmas ATLAS Writing Bell Ringers NEW Sample Responses
NEW Dialogue Tag Bell Ringers (Students will need the Dialogue Cheat Sheet--2nd side to do these bell ringers) Sample Responses
NEW Bell Ringers
Student Sample Practice ATLAS Narratives
Informative Resources
Presentations
NEW New & Improved Practicing the Parts of a Narrative & Informative to Ensure Mastery (Dec. 2025)
Practicing the Parts of a Narrative & Informative to Ensure Mastery (Oct. 2025)
Transitioning from Idiom Stories to Informative Writing Google Slides Classroom Model Lesson Video Sample Graphic Organizer Text
Prompt (T-A-P) Resources
Pre-Planning Organizer/Note Taking Resources
NEW Christmas ATLAS Writing Bell Ringers NEW Sample Responses
NEW Bell Ringers
Pre-Planning/Note Taking Lesson Plans Texts Step By Step Planning the Informative google Slides
How to Use the CEEL for Pre-Planning a Paragraph The Template--Paragraph Only Pre-Planning (Note Taking) Organizer (CEEC)
ATLAS Rubric Resources
Introduction
NEW Bell Ringers
Body Paragraphs
Body Paragraph Format
TEEL Body Paragraph Template (Topic Sentence, Evidence, Elaboration, & Linking Sentence)
CEEC Body Paragraph Template (Claim, Evidence, Elaboration, & Closing)
Body Paragraphs--Evidence
Body Paragraphs--Elaboration
The Art of Elaboration Presentation (for teachers & students) Elaboration Practice Activity Sample Responses
Conclusion
Editing & Revising
Opinion/Argumentative Resources
NEW Sentence Starters for Opinion/Argumentative Essay Paragraphs (for struggling writers--created by Allyson Jensen of Conway Schools)
Presentations
Prompt Resources
Pre Planning Organizer
Introduction
Body Paragraphs
Body Paragraph Format
TEEL Body Paragraph Template (Topic Sentence, Evidence, Elaboration, & Linking Sentence)
CEEC Body Paragraph Template (Claim, Evidence, Elaboration, & Closing)
Body Paragraphs--Evidence
Body Paragraphs--Elaboration
The Art of Elaboration Presentation (for teachers & students) Elaboration Practice Activity Sample Responses
Counter Claim/Rebuttal (Required 7-10)
Conclusion
Editing & Revising
Sample Writing Assignments that Embed Writing into the Curriculum
NEW Julius Caesar Argumentative Paragraphs Brutus Argumentative Paragraph Antony Rebuttal Paragraph
NEW Analysis Essay Resources
Email: writingoncommand@gmail.com
Facebook: Writing on Command
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